The Kansas state government faces some big challenges in balancing its books for the next couple of years. The Kansas Legislature is holding hearings on a number of bills that will provide options to fund schools, state government, and state services. Among the proposals under consideration is Senate Bill 261, which would apply the state's 6.15 percent sales tax to residential energy bills.

Being energy efficient is not at the top of most people’s minds when celebrating a holiday. But what was a very happy holiday can turn very sad with the arrival of January bills. This can be prevented.

Utilities generate bills based on what is called “billing cycles.” Billing cycles are determined by monthly meter reads, which are done by meter readers that walk from house to house, documenting the electrical usage data. Meters are grouped into clumps called routes. These routes are usually determined by location and are important because a meter reader can only collect so many readings in one day; therefore, routes create a feasible collection schedule for meter readers. The collection of routes for a specific period is called a cycle, which determines your billing cycle.

Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives is a national network of electric cooperatives across 46 states that provides resources and leverages partnerships to help member cooperatives and their employees better engage and serve their members. By working together, Touchstone Energy cooperatives stand as a source of power and information to their 32 million member-owners every day.